A demographic shift is taking place throughout much of the world. Population aging is changing lives and institutions. Never before have so many people lived to such old age.
In the USA, the number of people age 65 and over is projected to leap from about 54 million in 2019 to more than 80 million by 2040. By 2030, all Baby Boomers (1946-1964) will be 65 years of age and older.
In Tennessee, the number of people age 65 and older in 2019 was 1.15 million. By 2030 the number will grow to 1.5 million — a 28% growth rate. In 2030, 20% of all Tennessee residents will be 65+.
In Kentucky, the number of people age 65 and older in 2020 was 729,741. By 2030, the number will grow to 903,450. Percentage wise, the 65+ population Kentucky will grow from 16.5% to 20% of total residents by 2030.
As our nation and states continue to gray, so too are our congregations graying. If your church hasn’t already been preparing for this reality, now is the time to plan and act.
ENCORE Ministry is here to help you and your congregation. It serves as an advocate for older adult ministry in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference and provides consultation, training, resources, and grant funding to assist church leaders in developing intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
In past issues of ENCORE Ministry Matters, I suggested steps for planning older adult ministry in church settings. See A Planning Process for Effective Older Adult Ministry from the October 2020 issue.
In this issue, our first since the formation of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, I want to suggest ingredients for helping leaders get started in older adult ministry. These recommendations may serve as guidelines rather than rules — alter and adapt as necessary for your situation.
Commit yourself to begin
You do not have to start with elaborate programs, but you do need to get started. Often, church leaders say something like, “We need to take older adult ministry seriously in our church, but we never seem to get going.” There is no better time to start older adult ministry than now. Older adults are not going away, they’re fastest growing age group in our churches!
Get started with those who want to be involved
Often church leaders believe they must have a large number of people involved in a ministry program for it to be considered good. How sad. Many successful ministries with older adults have begun with only a few people. If the ministry is meeting needs, numbers will increase. If it’s a specialized type of ministry, numbers generally do not matter.
Be selective in choosing ministry programs
Keep asking “What do the older adults need most, now?” Find out using questionnaires, staying alert to specific concerns, and observing people.
Publicize your ministry in an attractive, honest, and caring way
The ministry must be inspiring and meet the needs of older adults. Don’t jeopardize your ministry’s start by careless or sloppy presentations. Leaders must be sincere and effective in presenting the ministry and caring about the needs of older adults
Make your program a quality ministry
It is discouraging and debilitating to have a great idea executed poorly. A quality program can be accomplished by properly training key leadership and encouraging them to do their jobs well.
Finally, carry out the program
- Know the interests, needs, and resources through research and surveys
- Determine priorities and plan appropriate ministry programs
- Utilize facilities, persons, materials, and funding
- Evaluate programs at regular intervals
To accomplish your goals for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults you will need lay leadership, resources (including funding), and ideas. Remember to reach out to ENCORE Ministry for support. In addition, identify other social service agencies that can provide your ministry with assistance and try new methods. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Once you get started, enjoy the ministry with older adults as it unfolds before you. The rewards are beyond measure!
Dr. Richard Gentzler, director of ENCORE Ministry, oversees the organization’s mission of providing older adult ministry resources, leader training, and consultations. For more information, contact Gentzler at or 615-400-0539.
